Top 8 Family movies for 2012

Kori Ellis is an editor and writer based in San Antonio, TX, where she lives with her husband and four children. At SheKnows, she writes about parenting, fashion, beauty and other lifestyle topics. Additionally, Kori has been published i...

Upcoming family films

Going to the movies is always a fun way to spend time with your kids. In 2012, we'll see plenty of sequels and some old favorites now in 3-D. Check out our list of some of the best family movies of the year.

Beauty and the Beast 3D

Beauty and the Beast returns to the big screen -- this time in 3-D. If your kids have yet to experience this fabulous film, then a trip to the theater is a must.

Release date: Jan. 13, 2012

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

As a follow-up to the 2008 hit Journey to the Center of the Earth, this new 3-D movie is sure to be another family favorite. This film is rated PG for brief mild language and some adventure action.

Release date: Feb. 10, 2012

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Danny DeVito stars as the voice of the Lorax in this fun adventure. Adapted from the Dr. Seuss children's book, this CGI movie will be presented in IMAX 3D and is sure to be a favorite among young kids.

Release date: March 2, 2012

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

Hugh Grant stars in his first animated role as the Pirate Captain in this 3D stop-motion animated film. The Captain is head of a rag tag crew of misfits as they embark on a wonderful adventure on the high seas.

Release date: March 30, 2012

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

In the third installment of the Madagascar film series, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippopotamus set out to return to New York after escaping to Africa. This is the first of the Madagascar movies to be in 3-D.

Release date: June 8, 2012

Ice Age: Continental Drift

Ice Age's Manny, Diego and Sid are back once again. In Ice Age 4, they use an iceberg as a makeshift ship when they are separated from the rest of the herd.

Release date: July 13, 2012

Dorothy of Oz

In this upcoming computer-animated film, Dorothy and Toto return to the land of Oz after being summoned by Glinda, the good witch. Dorothy hooks up with her old friends to try to stop an evil Jester from turning the people of Oz into puppets.

Release date: Aug. 3, 2012

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

This is the third movie in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film series and is based on the third and fourth books. In this movie, school is out and Greg (Zachary Gordon) is ready for summer, when all his plans go wrong.